Phnom Penh’s hotel scene has been transformed by boutique properties since small hotels like The Pavilion started to appear in the Cambodian capital in the mid 2000s.
The pioneers that created the Pavilion haven’t stood still. They’re now the proud owners of The Kabiki, Blue Lime and more recently, The 240 and The Plantation.
And in the past eighteen months, plenty of others have jumped aboard the boutique hotel bandwagon - including a fair number of impostors.
Cynical hotel owners have worked out that the word "boutique" gets a very favourable reception from travellers and quite a few do little justice to the idea. Don't assume that a self-described "boutique" hotel really makes the mark.
But several of these new hotels exceed expectations and are working hard at doing things original and interesting. They've done both travellers and the city a great service by transforming some impressive heritage buildings into commercial successes and creating wonderful cozy accommodations at the same time.
We've added six new Phnom Penh properties to our boutique hotels listing. For a full list of our recommended boutique hotels in Phnom Penh, including the new properties, click here.
The new additions to our Phnom Penh boutique hotels listing are below:
Frangipani Fine Arts Hotel
A locally owned thoughtfully designed boutique hotel right by the National Museum. These guys have created several tasteful and well priced hotels in Phnom Penh and one in Siem Reap. It's good value for money (From around US$60) but pricing is a bit whacky with some very small rooms priced the same as much larger ones. Make sure you get one of the larger rooms.
Photo: Mark BowyerFrangipani Fine Arts Hotel
La Maison D'Ambre
Perhaps the most ambitious of the new entrants, La Maison D'Ambre has taken the design of its 10 apartment style themed rooms - and the rest of the cool 1960s building, very seriously. Theme rooms may not be to everyone’s liking but these guys have taken meticulous care with detail. If anything, we found the rooms perhaps too large. And pricing is sharp too at around $100.
Photo: Mark BowyerLa Maison D'Ambre
Le Marais
Just six rooms in a classic post independence style large Khmer residence, Le Marais is owned by a French trained Khmer designer who also happens to be a member of the royal family. The lead in rooms are small but well priced (around $50). Better to go for the much more generously spaced suites at around US$85.
Photo: Mark BowyerLe Marais, Phnom Penh
The Plantation
From the people that started Phnom Penh's boutique hotel craze - at 70 rooms, The Plantation is a step up in scale - they call it an "urban resort". Careful restoration of heritage buildings, lush gardens, cool common areas and comfortable restrained rooms are the tasty ingredients.
Photo: Mark BowyerThe Plantation, Phnom Penh
The 240
Just 10 rooms, comfortable and affordable with light but effective decor - on St 240 - prices start from US$45.
Photo: Peter StuckingsThe 240, Phnom Penh
The Willow
Named after the huge tree that sits out front, The Willow is homely and tasteful. The Khmer owner Teo and his Australian partner Eliza make great hosts.
You can also visit our collection of Phnom Penh's best boutique hotels with reviews and pictures here.
Photo: Mark BowyerThe Willow, Phnom Penh
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